Following the team with a unique perspective on all things Phillies.Email me: PhilliesPhollowers@comcast.net – Peace, Love & Baseball – Jenn

Spring Training Practices Winding Down

So far, the mood in Phillies practice has been very upbeat.Shane Victorino was all smiles as he tossed balls to children in the crowd earlier today.Cole Hamels returned to the team, having taken care of his “personal issues” and spirits were high.There are a few story lines causing some stress among the natives , including the battle for the 5th starting position.Kyle Kendrick threw a good session today and Scott Eyre helped him keep the mood light.Either that, or Eyre has mistaken Kendrick for a cute little baby…

Other developing story lines include the competition among the rookies trying to make the team.Jason Donald, who may replace Chase Utley if he has a setback and is not ready to go for Opening Day, is keeping pace with the big boys.Lou Marson, understanding the team is heavy on catchers, keeps up his hard work in the hopes that he makes an impression for future call-ups.And Mike Cervanek , who made his major league debut last year after 10 years in the minors and independent leagues, has been hustling to get some attention.Cervenak could be the right-handed bat the Phillies need, plus he is able to play 3rd, 2nd and 1st bases.Having been a member of the World Series squad, the coaches already know Cervenak, but this will be a case of perseverance on his part to make the team.

With so many good looking men wandering about the practice fields, it makes you wonder where a few of these guys are getting their hair style advice.Women do seem to love the beard, but Eric Bruntlett may want to consider a trim.It’s hair gone wild!And then in the plain “hair has gone away” category, new Phillie Raul Ibanez may want to consider a new look.Here are a few for him to “try on.”

Only one day left of practice before the games begin on Wednesday; the Phillies will take on the Pirates in Bradenton, FL for the Spring Training opener at 1:05pm.Stay tuned for game coverage!

And on to the Photo of the Day…it’s an unusually chipper Mike Schmidt:

I heard that Chase Utley was doing some hitting today. That has to make everyone in the front office and the field smile a bit more.

I will be there Sat. at the bottom of the left
field terrace in the first row, hopefully in the first seat. The game is also going to be on MLB.TV that day. Maybe I can make a catch on something other than TBS or local Rays television.

As always, a great blog addition on the Spring Training.
You been to the Tilted Kilt yet?

Julia – thanks!
Sue – Actually, they did go golfing today :O)
PRP – I am not sure what Schmidty was cracking up about…but it very well could have been the Mets :O)
Rays Renegade – Hi there! Hope to see you then on Thursday…I’ll be taking photos at BP before the game near home plate, 3rd base side, then I’ll be sitting in 106 row 13. Have not been to the Tilted Kilt yet…maybe I’ll go after the game :O)

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